Home Decor: Oversized Cowhide Rugs
A cowhide rug can add tons of character and personality to any room.
These are some of the most popular types of rugs in existence, and they’ve been enjoyed by humans for an extremely long time.
Cowhide is obviously made from the skin of cattle, but there are also plenty of synthetic versions available today.
But while synthetic cowhide rugs might be ideal from an ethical standpoint, authentic cowhide offers many notable advantages.
These rugs are extremely durable, and they’re also hypo-allergenic – which makes the perfect for people with allergies. These rugs are also incredibly easy to clean.
But the true strength of the humble cowhide rug lies in its extensive versatility. You can use this rug for just about anything. Use it as a throw over a sofa, as a floor rug, or even as a wall-mounted decoration.
Cowhide rugs also fit in with virtually any style of decor. Whether you’re going for a rustic vibe or a more modern tone, these rugs can fit in seamlessly if added tastefully.
Cowhide rugs are also totally unique. Because each animal has unique markings, each authentic cowhide rug is also one-of-a-kind. This might appeal to home decorators who appreciate interesting patterns that are seemingly abstract and random.
Cowhide rugs are interesting because they’re quite wild – both in terms of patterns and substance. But on the other hand, cowhides are also very traditional. This is an interesting juxtaposition, and one that many people really love.
A Brief History of Oversized Cowhide Rugs
In the past, a wide variety of different cultures have produced cowhide rugs.
The native American people used cowhides for all kinds of different purposes. They would often use the hides as protective coverings for their shelters. They would also wear cowhides – especially during snowy weather.
The Zulu people of South Africa also have a strong tradition that revolves around cowhides. These people would use cowhides for a wide range of purposes, including ornaments, clothing, and even to make shields.
The process of creating cowhides hasn’t changed much, even after all this time. The most important thing when creating these rugs is to work quickly. You need to skin and tan the hide over a short period of time to ensure that it’ll last long into the future.
How To Find The Best Oversized Cowhide Rugs
Today, the very best cowhide rugs come from a select group of countries known for their advanced skinning and tanning methods. Many cowhide enthusiasts believe that the best hides come only from Brazil. Others include France, Argentina, and Columbia in that discussion. Either way, it’s always a good idea to learn the source of your cowhide rug.
If you’re concerned about animal cruelty, you can also look specifically for rugs that are skinned as a byproduct of the meat and dairy industry. This ensures that you’re getting a cowhide from an animal that was going to die anyway – and the cow wasn’t slaughtered just for its rug.
This might be very important to some people, and you can easily find out this information yourself when you do more research into the specific brands and products you’re interested in.
Our Top Picks For Oversized Cowhide Rugs
Here are some of our favorite cowhide rugs available right now:
Loloi Faux Oversized Cowhide Rugs
Our first rug is probably one of the most “modern” options on the market, and it’s completely acrylic. Animal lovers will love this option, as not a single cow was harmed in the manufacturing process.
One of the most interesting things about Loloi cowhide rugs is that they’re extremely modern in appearance. They feature a speckled metallic pattern over the top of the faux cowhide, which really makes this a unique addition to any home.
If most of your decor is already modern, this could be the perfect cowhide to “blend in” with the other pieces in your room – because of its metallic decorations.
It definitely has a very “clean” and polished vibe, and this could be exactly what many of our readers are searching for.
Crown Home Innovation Oversized Cowhide Rugs
For those who want an authentic cowhide rug, Crown Home Innovation offers a stellar option.
These cowhide rugs come in all kinds of different patterns and varieties, as they’re taken from real cows. These rugs are professionally treated and reinforced for added durability, and you can be relatively sure that they’ll last at least 20 years.
Interestingly, Crown Home Innovation doesn’t share where they get their rugs from… But they do state that all of their rugs are environmentally responsible, as they’re taken as byproducts from the meat industry.
Gaucho Oversized Cowhide Rugs
Gaucho brand cowhide rugs come from the famed Gaucho region of South America. This region is located across Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. In other words, these rugs come from the best cowhide regions on the planet!
When you purchase these cowhide rugs, you can feel confident that you’re getting a high quality piece of craftsmanship.
While there are many different color and pattern options available, a solid black variant really caught our eye on Amazon.
One look at this cowhide rug, and the quality is immediately obvious.
Sunshine Cowhides Brindle Extra Large Rug
Sunshine Cowhides is another respected brand in this industry, and they also sell extremely attractive rugs.
This company sources their rugs from Brazil, Argentina, and Columbia, handpicking the very best byproducts of the meat and dairy industry.
This means that you’re getting a sustainable rug that comes from the very best cowhide regions in the world.
These rugs are also quite large, and you should be able to cover a relatively large area.
RODEO Classic Oversized Cowhide Rugs
If you’re still searching for that perfect cowhide rug, you may want to consider checking out RODEO’s offerings.
This brand offers great value, and attractive cowhide patterns.
Even though they don’t share where they source their cowhide rugs, they do state that all their cowhide rugs are by products of the meat industry. This means that absolutely no waste is created.
For those looking for great value, RODEO might be the best option.